Chapter 286: Third-rank Great Demon
Half a month later.
Above Celestial Spring Peak, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth suddenly became restless.
This immediately alarmed many people, especially the cultivators residing on Celestial Spring Peak. One after another, they raised their heads in shock and looked toward the sky.
At the same time, spiritual light surged skyward around Celestial Spring Peak, and a powerful light-curtain barrier manifested. This was clearly the Mountain Protection Formation being fully activated.
“This is the phenomenon of Core Formation!”
“This is not ordinary Core Formation, but Demon-baleful Core Formation!” Among the crowd, Zhou Bingxuan (Female) exclaimed in shock.
“Demon-baleful!?”
Many cultivators present looked at this newly arrived junior sister in astonishment.
Looking at the terrifying phenomenon in the sky, Zhou Bingxuan (Female) nervously swallowed and explained:
“My Zhou Family has long been associated with spirit beasts. When spirit beasts form their core, the heavenly phenomenon is different from that of ordinary cultivators. There will be a surge of demon baleful energy.”
“Could it be Elder Lin…”
Many cultivators seemed to have thought of something and cried out in surprise.
However, at that moment, the Sword Attendant (Female) stepped out of the cave abode. Standing on her flying sword, she shouted coldly:
“Cultivators of Celestial Spring Peak, heed this command. The Mountain Protection Formation has been activated. No one is allowed to act recklessly. Anyone who dares to leave the peak, ascend the peak, or damage the formation without authorization will be killed!”
A sharp killing intent surged into the sky. For a Core Formation cultivator like Lin Changan (Male), Foundation Establishment cultivation was nothing.
But for the group of Qi Refinement cultivators below, the Sword Attendant (Female), with her mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation, was an unshakable mountain peak.
At her cold command, although countless cultivators below were shocked, after the shock came joy.
Shared honor and disgrace!
“Core Formation!”
Shen Zhuang (Male) and Li Tianmo (Male) revealed shocked expressions, yet their hearts churned violently.
While they were still struggling in cultivation in pursuit of Foundation Establishment, this elder granduncle’s spirit pet mount was already preparing to form its core.
The intelligent Zhou Bingxuan (Female) thought even further.
Senior Lin was a Third-rank Formation Master, and after successfully reforging his core, his status had risen greatly.
With such resources and ability, assisting his spirit pet in forming its core was not unusual in the world of cultivation.
…
Inside the pavilion, although they were outside the formation barrier, the Sword Attendant (Female) had deliberately used a voice-transmission spell. The commotion did not reach the cave abode here.
However, when Fairy of Rainbow Skirt (Female) saw the Sword Attendant (Female), she rarely revealed a hint of surprise.
“I did not expect that your servant girl possesses such talent in the Sword Path, Fellow Daoist Lin.”
The pressure of Foundation Establishment cultivation from the Sword Attendant (Female) was easily seen through by Core Formation cultivators.
Her sword intent was sharp and imposing. At such cultivation and age, possessing such sword intent meant she was absolutely gifted.
After hearing this, Lin Changan (Male) casually smiled and nodded.
“This girl has some talent.”
As he spoke, a trace of satisfaction was clearly visible on Lin Changan’s face.
Some things—if concealed too much—would instead arouse suspicion.
It was better to openly place the Sword Attendant (Female) in plain sight. Outsiders would only think he had a servant girl with excellent sword talent.
As for the Heavenly Spirit Sword Body?
This was one of the Three Great Sword Cultivation Physiques, comparable to the Heavenly Spirit Root.
In the cultivation world, talented cultivators were everywhere. But top-grade spiritual bodies and Heavenly Spirit Roots were extremely rare.
Therefore, most people would rather believe in talent than believe that such a legendary physique would serve as a maid.
As for the Sword Attendant’s appearance, Lin Changan (Male) remained calm.
Back in the Fog Sea of Tongtian, this girl’s temperament had been completely different.
Furthermore, after switching to cultivate the Killing Origin Sword Art, her aura had already changed drastically.
With the addition of this new temperament, who could associate the numb, despair-filled girl of the past with the current girl who carried heroic spirit, cold pride, and sharpness?
Even if the two stood side by side, people would only think they resembled each other somewhat in appearance—never that they were the same person.
“A human-beast hybrid descendant… Even Fatty Lei would refuse to believe it.”
Lin Changan (Male) shook his head.
There was another reason as well: human-beast hybrids possessed longer lifespans than ordinary human cultivators. Thus, even now, the Sword Attendant (Female) still looked like a young girl.
“Master!”
When the Sword Attendant (Female) returned, she respectfully cupped her hands and stood behind him.
This respect did not merely come from the difference in cultivation realms.
Seeing this, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt (Female) revealed a ripple of emotion in her eyes.
With such talent, if she had been a disciple within her sect, she would definitely be considered a rare genius.
What a pity—she was not from her sect. Otherwise, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt (Female) would truly have considered accepting her as a personal disciple.
“It seems no one will interfere this time.”
Observing that the Core Formation phenomenon had caused no unusual movement in the surroundings, Lin Changan (Male) realized that Fairy of Rainbow Skirt (Female) had likely done more than merely send messages to the Three Major Factions earlier.
The intelligent Fairy of Rainbow Skirt (Female) naturally understood what Lin Changan (Male) meant and smiled lightly.
“Fellow Daoist Lin is too polite. If anything, we should thank the Four Seas Merchant Guild. After all, nearly every well-known Core Formation family maintains trade relations with them.”
Lin Changan (Male) laughed upon hearing this.
Sure enough, when facing external pressure, internal groups would band together.
This time he had perhaps made a mountain out of a molehill—but caution was never wrong.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, it seems your spirit pet’s Core Formation will still take some time. Why not play a game of chess with me?”
“Chess!?”
Lin Changan’s expression turned slightly unnatural. Naturally, this did not escape the observation of Fairy of Rainbow Skirt (Female), who let out a sly laugh.
“Indeed. Since your spirit pet is forming its core, I imagine you have no mind for discussing cultivation. Playing chess at this time can temper one’s mental state.”
Even while the mind was attached to external matters, being able to calm oneself would be greatly beneficial for future cultivation.
“Very well.”
Lin Changan (Male) nodded.
Although he was not particularly skilled at chess, he refused to believe she was an expert either.
The Sword Attendant (Female) respectfully brought out a chessboard from the cave abode.
Thus, while the Core Formation phenomenon surged violently in the sky, Lin Changan (Male) and Fairy of Rainbow Skirt (Female) calmly played chess in the pavilion with black and white pieces.
Only the Sword Attendant (Female), glancing at the heavenly phenomenon, unconsciously clenched her fists, worried about the situation of the Azure-Horned Ox.
…
Spirit beasts forming their core were different from human cultivators.
The heavenly phenomenon consisted of rolling black clouds and soaring baleful energy.
Although Xuanyin Pavilion had already informed the outside world, many cultivators still flew over once the phenomenon appeared.
However, they showed restraint and observed from afar.
Those who came this time were mostly False Core cultivators, while the rest were Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Many had already secretly prepared gifts. Once the Core Formation succeeded, they would visit to offer congratulations.
Lin Changan’s current status was very different from before.
Not only was he a Third-rank Formation Master, he was also a highly promising Core Formation cultivator.
Naturally, he was worth visiting.
If anyone could build even the slightest relationship with him, the benefits would be enormous.
“Judging from the Core Formation phenomenon, this spirit pet of Fellow Daoist Lin should be an earth-attribute demon beast with a fairly high bloodline.”
“Indeed. I once saw the Core Formation of the Long Clan’s guest elder—Fellow Daoist Li—and his third-rank Copper-armored Corpse had far less momentum.”
False Core cultivators gathered in small groups on surrounding spiritual peaks, exchanging opinions.
Even the Foundation Establishment cultivators secretly marveled.
When it came to demon beasts forming cores, cultivators here had seen far more than human cultivators doing so.
After all, in the Beast Sea Region, whenever a demon beast attempted Core Formation, it attracted both the greed of other demon beasts and the covetousness of human cultivators.
With luck, killing a demon beast during Core Formation might yield a somewhat inferior demon core.
Therefore, experienced cultivators could usually determine a demon beast’s attribute and bloodline based on the heavenly phenomenon.
…
On Five Dragon Island, the two Core Formation cultivators of the Four Seas Merchant Guild—Zhu Family Head and Liang Family Head—looked toward the distant phenomenon and frowned.
“Brother Liang, this phenomenon has lasted several days. Judging from its momentum, the breakthrough is almost certain.”
“At the very least, it must be a spirit pet with an upper-grade bloodline. This Lin fellow truly has good fortune.”
Their conversation revealed their clear wariness toward Xuanyin Pavilion.
They understood something very well.
The foreign cultivators present were here only for the Secret Realm. Once the exploration ended, they would disperse.
Xuanyin Pavilion, however, was the Four Seas Merchant Guild’s real rival in the Five Dragon Island Sea Region.
“Brother Zhu, do you think after a hundred years we might recruit this Lin fellow?”
After all, Lin Changan could reside on Celestial Spring Peak only for a hundred years.
“I fear he may be reluctant to leave and might choose to remain, joining Bihai Palace and continuing to guard Xuanyin Pavilion.”
“So what? As long as the benefits we offer are sufficient, there will always be a chance to recruit him.”
This was Bihai Palace’s open strategy.
Lin Changan had already noticed it when he formed his core.
A hundred-year appointment to guard the region.
A hundred years was neither short nor long.
During that time, cultivators would gain many benefits. When the term ended, they would face a choice—leave or stay.
“Enough. The Secret Realm disturbance is enormous. Fellow Daoist Lin has been a Core Formation cultivator for nearly thirty years now. We are in no hurry. For now, we should take advantage of the opportunity and pursue peaceful profit.”
The two nodded in agreement.
…
Several days later, however, the phenomenon above Celestial Spring Peak suddenly changed.
“How is this possible!? Hadn’t the phenomenon already stabilized? Why is its momentum suddenly rising again!?”
This startled many cultivators. Even those Core Formation cultivators who had not come personally turned their attention toward it.
The two from the Four Seas Merchant Guild also stiffened.
“This Core Formation phenomenon… Could it be forming an upper-grade demon core!?”
The rolling black clouds in the sky began to circulate with five-colored halos, rapidly expanding to ten li.
At the same time, a powerful aura of demon power swept outward.
Seeing this, many cultivators felt not only envy—but also jealousy.
“Heavens! What kind of fortune does Fellow Daoist Lin possess? His spirit pet is about to form an upper-grade demon core!”
Even among third-rank spirit pets, there were superior and inferior ones.
…
At this moment inside the pavilion of Celestial Spring Peak.
Lin Changan (Male) and Fairy of Rainbow Skirt (Female) were still locked in an intense chess match.
Lin Changan’s expression was ugly—he was about to lose another great dragon on the board when the phenomenon suddenly changed.
“This is!”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt (Female) raised her head, genuine shock appearing in her eyes.
This phenomenon…
This Fellow Daoist Lin had truly hidden his strength deeply.
Ordinary spirit pets forming cores would never display such momentum. Clearly he had made thorough preparations.
But then she relaxed.
After all, this meant Xuanyin Pavilion would gain a more powerful third-rank demon beast.
A white piece fell with a crisp sound.
Her slender pale fingers placed the piece gently upon the board.
Although Fairy of Rainbow Skirt (Female) lowered her gaze slightly, Lin Changan felt as if there was a faint smile lingering at the corner of her lips.
She had clearly seen through his intention—to use this opportunity to stop playing.
The outcome on the chessboard had already been decided.
Lin Changan felt speechless.
It was not that his mentality was poor.
But after playing more than a hundred games, he had not won even once.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, playing chess is also a form of tempering the mind.”
Seeing that she had won again, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt (Female) smiled gently and spoke sincerely.
“My master once told me: if a cultivator wishes to go farther on the path, tempering the mind is inevitable. One must know that when advancing further, the Heart Demon Tribulation cannot be avoided.”
Lin Changan’s expression gradually became serious.
He looked up at Fairy of Rainbow Skirt (Female).
Their gazes met.
Her expression was calm, and there was even a subtle deeper meaning in her brows.
“I have been enlightened!”
Lin Changan inhaled deeply, stood up solemnly, and cupped his hands in thanks.
She was reminding him about the Heart Demon Tribulation of the Nascent Soul Realm.
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt (Female) smiled and nodded lightly.
She could see that Lin Changan’s Dao heart was firm—otherwise he would never have dared to risk Core Reforging.
His ambition would never stop at the Core Formation Realm.
As for the Nascent Soul Realm—even she, with her Heavenly Spirit Root, had no confidence.
On this lonely road of cultivation, having a like-minded fellow Daoist to walk with was also fortunate.
Lin Changan also awakened to something.
Although Nascent Soul was still far away, sooner or later he would face it.
“The Heart Demon Tribulation… I wonder how many geniuses it has obstructed. My various methods are almost useless against it.”
Only he himself could rely on himself.
Even the help of the Sword Attendant’s Heavenly Spirit Sword Body was no guarantee.
At that moment, Lin Changan suddenly understood something.
Looking at the chessboard again, his mind seemed clearer.
Victory or defeat was no longer so important.
“State of mind…”
Lin Changan raised his head and looked at Fairy of Rainbow Skirt (Female). Her elegant, otherworldly aura seemed almost immortal.
“Fellow Daoist Rainbow Skirt truly possesses extraordinary courage.”
She smiled lightly and did not refute him. Instead, she lowered her eyes and gently blew on the hot steam of the spirit tea in her hand.
“Some say I have been protected too well. Others say the sect will become my burden. But in my view, the sect is my home—it has never been a burden.”
The sect was both restraint and opportunity to temper the mind.
As a Heavenly Spirit Root cultivator, she had always been protected too well.
Her path had been too smooth.
Only after forming her core did she begin carrying the responsibility for the sect’s rise and fall.
In fact, her cultivation progress had clearly slowed due to these burdens, causing many people to shake their heads.
But she used the sect itself to temper her Dao heart.
“A Heavenly Spirit Root progresses quickly. But only after reaching Core Formation does one gain the ability to protect oneself. If given a choice, no one would abandon a Heavenly Spirit Root.”
Lin Changan’s gaze flickered.
Only after obtaining sufficient strength could one truly have the opportunity to choose.
This Fairy of Rainbow Skirt was clearly walking a difficult road.
The advantage of longer lifespan granted by her Heavenly Spirit Root after Core Formation was being spent on tempering her state of mind.
If she sank too deeply into it, she might even waste her own potential.
But everyone had their own path.
…
At this moment, the black clouds in the sky churned violently.
“It has reached the final step!”
Lin Changan looked up, staring at the Core Formation phenomenon.
Nascent Soul was still far away.
Now that he had awakened to the issue, he would slowly prepare for it.
For now, the most important matter was the Azure-Horned Ox breaking through to the Third Rank.
“Moo!”
From the cave abode came an aura from an ancient primordial age.
The Wind-Chirp Bird revealed a solemn expression.
“Master!”
Inside the cave abode there was actually another Lin Changan—a clone.
However, half of this clone’s face appeared withered.
“It succeeded!”
The clone exclaimed in joy.
Outside, the rolling black clouds of the Core Formation phenomenon slowly dispersed.
In their place surged a towering wave of demon energy.
The winds and clouds stirred.
All the spirit birds and beasts of Celestial Spring Peak instinctively collapsed to the ground in trembling fear.
Even the fish in the water dared not surface.
The aura of a Third-rank Great Demon was terrifying beyond description.
“Upper-grade demon core!”
Not every demon beast was like the Wind-Chirp Bird, capable of casually forming an Immortal Golden Core.
The Azure-Horned Ox forming an upper-grade demon core was already enough to satisfy Lin Changan.
Lin Changan had not concealed the Core Formation phenomenon this time.
Given his current status and strength, there was no need to hide it.
Many cultivators possessed upper-grade golden cores—even Immortal Golden Cores.
But how many truly advanced to the Nascent Soul Realm?
The same principle applied here.
The Azure-Horned Ox’s breakthrough would be placed openly before the world.
If their cultivation advanced too quickly in the future, it might arouse suspicion.
By revealing this now, the growth of both the Azure-Horned Ox and Lin Changan would appear natural.